Monday, January 26, 2009

How to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

1.Assess the current condition of your hair. Is it healthy, shiny and strong, or has it been damaged from heat, sun, coloring, etc.? You don't want to grow out hair that is damaged and scraggly. If you suffer from split, thin, and dry ends, seriously consider getting a trim to remove as much of the damage as possible. Split ends will not slow down hair growth, as your hair grows from the scalp, but they may prevent length accorring due to breakage of the ends.

2.Look at your overall health and your lifestyle. How is your diet? Do you exercise and sleep enough? Are you under a large amount of stress? If your body is lacking in health, your hair will be lacking as well. Your hair growth rate will be at its maximum when you are at your healthiest and fittest.


3.Make some dietary changes. Hair consists of protein (because hair is keretinized protein) so be sure that you are getting enough. Incorporate foods from all food groups - especially protein. Nuts, poultry, vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, etc. All contribute to hair health.


4.Consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. There are many options on the market nowadays. Research the multi-vitamins which may work best for you. Other vitamins and minerals that are believed to contribute to hair growth are: biotin, beta-carotene, biosil, B complexes, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, silica, nettle, and flaxseed oil.

A good hair vitamin will contain all of the nutrients necessary for overall health, as well as those specific to hair growth. Biotin and MSM are ingredients every hair vitamin should contain. Biotin promotes cell growth, the production of fatty acids, metabolism of fats, and amino acids. MSM lengthens the hair growth phase. Using a combination of the two is beneficial for healthy hair. Using an amino acid supplement is not necessary for growing longer hair. Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein. They are found in all natural foods, such as meat, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, grains, fruit, nuts, and pulses. Most Americans eat more than enough protein for to supply these amino acids. Only people who do not consume enough calories need to be concerned with their protein intake. So one may assume that using an amino acid supplement can only make hair grow faster.

5. Stimulate blood flow to your scalp. One of the two main ways is by doing cardio. There are many benefits to cardio - staying fit, being healthier, glowing skin, and increased blood flow, which can get rid of strange hues that some people get on their legs and increase hair growth. The other main way of stimulating blood flow is by massaging your scalp. Take the tips of your fingers and massage your scalp all over, for about 5 minutes.

6. Do not over brush your hair and NEVER use a bristled brush, as this will tear and damage your hair. Not to mention it doesn't feel very nice. (Boar bristled brushes, however, are in fact good for your hair as they "maintain good hair condition by keeping it clean, stimulating the scalp and distributing oils for a healthy, glossy look, without ever damaging it or causing split ends." Do not brush your hair when it is wet. Wet hair is very elastic and prone to breakage. De-tangle your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb.

7. Do not over wash your hair. The oils that your scalp produces can be beneficial to the health of your hair. If you wash your hair every day, consider skipping a day or only using conditioner one day instead of both shampoo and conditioner. Shampooing everyday may be necessary for oily hair, but normal hair can get by with shampooing about 2-4 times a week, and dry hair is best when you shampoo about 1-2 a week. Curly hair(types 3A-4C) and some dry wavy hair (2A-2C) can be shampooed as little as once a week, to once every two weeks, because curly hair tends to be dryer.Use a shampoo/conditioner that is right for your hair. For instance, if you have dry, frizzy hair, you should not be using products designed for oily hair. Look into using a leave-in conditioner and/or hot oil treatments. Your local beauty supply store (i.e. Sally's) will have many options to choose from. Make sure to read the directions beforehand!

8. Cut back on the coloring sessions, which will inevitably cause your hair damage. If you must color your hair, look into some of the newer dyes available which offer more moisturizing protection when dying. If you want to dye your hair a shade of red, try dying it naturally with henna. If you want to dye your hair black, you can try dying it with a combination of henna and indigo.

9. Use protective styles, which are hair styles that keep your hair up and unexposed from environmental damage. Some examples would be buns, ponytails, plaits, cornrows, French braids, etc. This is very effective for a person whose hair is above shoulder length, because the hair tends to rub against clothes. Use them loosely, though, as you don't want to yank on your roots and scalp. When pulling back your hair, use smoothbands and clips. Avoid metal clips that can tangle and break hair, and never use bare rubber/elastic bands on your hair or hair bands that contain metal connections.

10. Avoid excessively hot water as well as blow dryers and curling irons. If you must use a blow dryer, invest in a diffuser. Consider wearing a cap or scarf of some sort when outside. Excessive heat/cold, wind and the elements can damage your hair. You may also choose to invest in a silk/satin hair wrap or a silk/satin pillowcase to reduce damage to your hair when you toss and turn at night.

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